For decades, scientists and policy makers have been aware that manure runoff is a major cause of pollution to the Chesapeake Bay. Or to be more explicit, this is about how to deal with excessive amounts of chicken poop. The O'Malley administration created the phosphorus management tool as a way to reduce manure application in places where the soil is already saturated. The program is long overdue.

The administration has tried to accommodate concerns from the farmers, offering to phase in the regulations over time, conduct an additional study and potentially increase financial assistance to farmers. None of these offers seem to satisfy Del. Norman Conway and Sen. James N. Mathias Jr., who continue to say that delay is the only option.

This isn't about science or about research. This is about politics. And this type of approach is what has gotten us into a cycle of delayed implementation, unfunded policies and diminishing public confidence.

This is Governor O'Malley's policy. He has publicly stated his support. This is the time for him to show it.

On behalf of 36,000 Maryland Farm Bureau families, I have to disagree with your editorial on the issue of the new phosphorus rules ("Phosphorus rules, finally," Nov. 18). Gov. Martin O'Malley did not get it right. In fact, this is effectively just one last tax increase he is trying to force...

Regarding the recent commentary about the Conowingo Dam ("Maryland can enforce dam cleanup," Nov. 19), Bob Irvin is correct for the most part. However, let's keep in mind that the Conowingo is a man-made obstruction to sediment, leaves and tree logs that Mother Nature really intended to go to...

On an almost recurring basis lately, The Sun has devoted itself to bringing to everyone's attention the Eastern Shore poultry industry's polluted runoff flowing into the Chesapeake Bay ("Larry Hogan has a chance to be a green governor," Dec. 13). Attention should be directed to the Amish...

As we have chided Gov. Martin O'Malley more than once on this page for dragging his feet on regulations intended to reduce the amount of polluting phosphorus pouring into the Chesapeake Bay from farms, it's only fair to herald his decision to move forward with the rules. That he chose to...

Congratulations to Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan on his inauguration. Mr. Hogan ran a terrific campaign, and we all look forward to his leadership on one of the most important roles, safeguarding the lands and waters of this beautiful state.

After talking about it for years, Maryland finally has proposed long-overdue regulations on phosphorous pollution from animal manure in the Chesapeake Bay ("Hogan vows to fight farm pollution rules," Dec. 8).